Arsenal to beat Tottenham to signing of coveted Brazil star Bernard

Atletico Mineiro youngster Bernard is set to have an Arsenal medical on Friday, according to L’Equipe.

Arsenal are set to beat competition from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Brazilian star Bernard.

The Atletico Mineiro youngster, who is 20 years of age, is considered one of the brightest young talents in his home country, and was included in Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad for the 2013 Confederations Cup.

French publication L’Equipe claim that Bernard will undergo a medical with the Gunners on Friday 26th July after playing the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final, the South American equivalent to the UEFA Champions League.

Bernard will sign a five year deal with Arsenal worth €3 million per season (approximately £2.6m), whilst ITV report that the transfer fee will be around the £21 million mark.

Bernard, who plays alongside Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho at Atletico Mineiro, possesses a great love for the game, displaying a dogged approach to both defence and attack.

Whilst a mere 5’5″ tall (1.68 m), Bernard works extremely hard to win the ball back for his side, and that committed style has resulted in plenty of yellow cards – and indeed sendings off.

That attitude – whilst toeing a little too close to the line of the law – may indicate that he would welcome the physical side of the English game.

Bernard is also a wonderful technical footballer, already possessing one of the best first touches in the game, and his close control and dribbling is a wonder to behold at times.

Typically playing from the left flank cutting inside onto his favoured right foot, Bernard is also comfortable on the right or in attacking midfield.